Savannah's Box

I've had the idea to make this little flashcard box for Savannah ever since Melanie sent me her What's In Your Tin 1 set. The borders looked like playing card to me. I've had the Stampin' Up sets ABC Images and both ABC Alphabets since they came out because I thought they'd be perfect for things like this. The box is a template from a collection of templates I bought at Oriental Trading Fun Expressions. I've used the templates before and someone asked me for a link once and I forgot to post one. You can find this set of templates here. I used the Gift Box template for this project. I used quite a few stamp sets too. The monogram "s" and the letters on the flashcards are from the ABC Upper and Lower Alphabets from Stampin' Up. The images are from the ABC Images set from Stampin' Up. The borders and "this belongs to" stamps are from What's in Your Tin 1 from GinaK Designs, and the letters I used to spell my daughter's name are from the Simple Alphabet by Papertrey Ink. I haven't finished all of the flashcards yet, but I'm close! :) Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- What's In Your Tin 1 (GinaK Designs), Simple Alphabet (Papertrey Ink), ABC Upper and Lower alphabets, ABC Images (SU); Paper- Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU); Ink- Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black(SU); Accessories- box template (Oriental Trading), double stitched ribbon in Purely Pomegranate, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, various markers (SU)

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

Here's a very simple card I made using the Ride 'Em Cowgirl set from My Favorite Things that I got in my Paper Pretties box. I say simple because I kept trying to add embellishments, but nothing looked right. Anything I tried to add made the card look too busy. . .maybe because of the patterned paper. That big flower is like an embellishment all by itself. The only thing I really added was the fringe. The sentiment is actually on the inside of the card as you can see from the second picture.

I wanted to let you know that my mother-in-law is in a regular room now instead of the ICU. She's still having a tough time of it with her recovery, but at least she's out of the danger zone. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I am VERY grateful! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Ride 'em Cowgirl (MFT); Ink- Burnt Umber (Palette); Paper- Wild Daisy Rd. (Heidi Grace); Accessories- Copic markers

Happy Mail!

I have been so fortunate lately to receive some Happy Mail! This first card is from Jessie Rone at Can You Say Addicted to Stamps. Isn't it ADORABLE? Jessie creates such BEAUTIFUL things and is such a sweetie too! As a matter of fact, she is joining the Paper Pretties team for the next three months and we're VERY excited to have her on board! Thank you, Jessie, for the adorable card.

The next card is from Kelley Herrick at Kelley's Craft Corner. I just LOVE these Changito stamps and Kelley knows it! She always sends me the sweetest cards just to say hello. This particular card she sent to congratulate me on winning the Papertrey Ink release. Unfortunately for me, it was another Charmaine! Yes, there are other Charmaine's out there! LOL I LOVE the card anyway, Kelley! Thank you so much!

The next card is from Linda MacDonald over at MacDonald Clan. She sent me this beautiful card for Easter. I just LOVE it. . .especially that Cuttlebugging in the background. Thank you so much, Linda. What a wonderful surprise to find in my mailbox!

The last card I received was from Melissa Norris at Melissa's Musings. Check out this fabulous card with the lawnmower charm! How neat is that? The REAL sewing on the card is just gorgeous too! (I do not sew. . .only faux sew LOL) Thank you, Melissa, for this adorable card! I really appreciate you thinking of me!

Art & More Award

This past week, I was awarded the Arte Y Pico (Art & More) Award by Samantha Esqueda at Fun With Paper. It is given to bloggers who share their art and creativity making their contribution to the blogging world. Wow, thank you, Samantha!

Here are the rules:

1. You have to pick five blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and the link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself
4. Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

This is tough because I love SO MANY blogs! I'm going to randomly pick 5 from my Google Reader. I KNOW you will enjoy all of them!

Joanne Basile at Just a Little Something

Barb at Barb's Card Creations

Alex at California Stampin

Bev Breisinger at Country Frog Creations

Julie Desper at Need to Stamp

Beate Weekend Sketch #41

Here is my take on Beate's latest sketch challenge. I used the Anniversary Birds set from Verve Visual. I just LOVE these birds. . .so cute. The paper is from the Hostess Prints Pack from Stampin' Up. I added my favorite embellishment in the world, paper piercing/faux stitching. It is so hard for me NOT to add that to a card. I guess we all have our addictions. LOL Be sure and see what Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon have come up with for this sketch. I'm sure they will be wonderful, as always! Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful Friday! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Anniversary Birds (Verve Visual); Paper- Prints Pack, Whisper White, Basic Black (SU); Ink- Real Red, Basic Black (SU); Accessories- brads (Making Memories), paper piercer, Basic Black marker, slit punch, hole punch, black organdy ribbon (Darice)

Wedding Sophia

I had it in my mind for while now that this Flutter By Sophia would make a great wedding card. This is the first time I got to play around with the idea. I thought this would make a great wedding card for a young, free-spirited girl who you might find getting married in a field or on a beach, hence the bare feet! :) The first thing I did was omit the butterfly from her hand. I guess the butterfly could have stayed, but I wanted the focus to be on the girl "fluttering her wings" as she gets married rather than on the butterfly. The photo doesn't show it well, but the dress is paper pieced using a shimmery white cardstock. It looks neat in real life that the card is flat white and the dress is shimmery. After coloring the image, I cut a slit in the head so I could put a piece of ribbon through as a veil. I added some bling to go with the veil and finally, the scallop border on top of the card with the same paper as the dress. I'll definitely be playing with this idea a little more. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Flutter By (Paper Pretties); Paper- Whisper White (SU), Shimmery White (Paper Accents); Ink- Palette Noir; Accessories- Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Blush Blossom, Really Rust markers, slit punch (SU); bling, white organdy ribbon (Darice)

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Julie challenged us to make something using chipboard. It's funny because chipboard is not one of my favorite things. . .mostly because I don't always know what to do with it. I decided to go simple and use a chipboard flower from the On Board Blossoms & Basics. I covered it with patterned paper that I got in one of my Paper Pretties boxes, then covered it in glitter. It's nice and sparkly. Since Julie just happened to be the person I was to mail my creation to and because last week was her birthday, I decided to make this a birthday card for her. I'm so sorry your package is late, Julie, but I hope you had a wonderful birthday anyway! Be sure and check the other Prettie Girl blogs to see their chipboard creations.

This week it's my turn to issue the challenge, and it is to WATERCOLOR! No fancy Copic or Stampin' Write markers. . .no blender pen either! :) Use an Aquapainter or brush with water to color your image. Have fun! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Full of Life (SU); Ink- Noir (Palette); Paper- Shabby Princess Collection (BoBunny Press); Accesssories- OnBoard Blossoms & Basics, key tag punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Dots Classy Brass template (SU), Prima flowers, rhinestone brad (Darice)

Be Inspired Challenge #6

This is my second take on Beate's Be Inspired Challenge this week. I just couldn't get the first card to work. I kept playing with it and adding this and that, but nothing seemed to make me like it, so I just made a new card. :) Right away, the skirt made me think of a brayered background. The problem I was having with the first card was the flowers from the Embrace Life set. I couldn't color them in right to look good and not get lost in the background, so I had to go with these flowers that I could rock 'n roll to get the look I wanted. I inked the solid flower image in Taken With Teal and then rolled the edges in Night of Navy and stamped it. The line image of the flower is stamped in Night of Navy. The centers are turquoise glitter glue. I decided on this size card because the skirt looked long and skinny to me, so I made a long, skinny card. Be sure and check out how Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jenn Balcer, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts were inspired today! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Remembering You, Embrace Life (SU); Paper- Whisper White, Basic Black (SU), blue (DCWV); Ink- Caribbean Sea (Kaleidacolor), Night of Navy, Taken With Teal, Basic Black (SU); Accessories- lime organdy ribbon (Darice), Water Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), glitter glue, brayer.

Happy Easter!

Just a quick post today as it's a busy day! I wanted to wish you all a Blessed Easter! I also wanted to let you know that my mother-in-law is doing VERY well! She is now awake and talking. She's in a lot of pain, but that is to be expected. Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. . .they are very much appreciated! A BIG thanks to those of you who have sent cards. We cannot wait to give them to her. We know they will brighten her day! You gals are awesome! Have a beautiful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Easter Elegance (Verve Visual); Paper- gold (DCWV Metallic Stack), Circus Baby Collection (Scribble Scrabble); Ink- Versamark; Accessories- gold embossing powder, Giga scallop square punch (Marvy Uchida), gold brads (Making Memories), paper piercer, white organdy ribbon (Darice)

A Fairytale

I didn't think I was going to be able to post today. My mind has been going in so many different directions today and when I tried to stamp I just couldn't concentrate, so I starting doing my blog reading. When I visited Lauren's blog, it was JUST what I needed today. Lauren's Saturday Sketch was clean and simple. . .emphasis on the simple. The sketch called for an image in the corner and a sentiment in the middle. She said we could add a layer if we wanted, but she'd prefer we keep it a single layer card. I've been dying to use these stamps and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. I stamped the bride in VersaMagic Wheat. The sentiment is in Basic Black except for the word "love" which is also in wheat. The flower is an ivory confetti flower from Michael's. . .the ones that Lauren made us ALL go out and buy! LOL Thanks, Lauren, for clearing my head and keeping it simple! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- She's All That, Full of Life (SU); Ink- Wheat (VersaMagic), Basic Black (SU); Paper- Whisper White; Accessories- confetti flower, pearl brad

Beate Weekend Sketch #40

Here is what I came up with for Beate's latest sketch challenge. I had to get this Prehistoric Pals set. I just imagined all the things I could create for Isaac with it. When I went to use this set, I remembered this week's Technique Lover's Challenge on SCS that I didn't get to do, Cuttlebug, the Negative Effect. Basically what you do is cover the negative inside of a Cuttlebug embossing folder and then put your paper in and run it through the machine. It creates a VERY COOL effect. For this background, I used the Tiny Bubbles embossing folder and put Chocolate Chip ink on the inside. Then I put olive cardstock in the folder. It came out looking like "dinosaur skin" in my opinion. How cool is that? For the grass, I used a marker to color just the top of the palm tree stamp. Be sure and check out what wonderful creation Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon have come up with for this sketch! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Prehistoric Pals, Wild About You (SU); Ink- Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise (SU); Paper- olive, chocolate, white; Accessories- Tiny Bubbles Cuttlebug folder, hemp twine, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches.

SC168

This was for yesterday's Sketch Challenge on SCS. It has been a while since I've done a challenge on SCS. I used to do them daily, but I just haven't been able to find the time lately. I was determined to do the sketch challenge yesterday. I used the Flutter By set from Paper Pretties. I just LOVE this image and sentiment. My favorite thing to do with this image is to pop up the butterfly and cut out more than one to create a flight pattern. Fun, fun, fun! I'm hoping to get back to doing more of the challenges. They really kept me hopping! :)

Regarding my mother-in-law, she is doing well. They were not able to take her off the ventilator just yet because she wasn't strong enough, but she hasn't gotten worse, so no news is good news. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you posted on her recovery. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Flutter By (Paper Pretties); Ink- Palette Noir; Paper- Palette O' Prints, Whisper White, Basic Black (SU); Accessories-So Saffron, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, Rose Red and Really Rust markers, brads, glitter, black organdy ribbon (Darice), paper piercer.

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Christie challenged us to make a shaker card. It has been a LONG time since I've made a shaker card. I decided to use the Serenity Now set from My Favorite Things. I had these flower embellishments that I picked up in the Target dollar bin and never used them. I thought they'd be fun to put in the shaker with a little glitter. I stamped the image on white cardstock and carefully cut around the top part of the image with my craft knife. The image is colored with Regal Rose and Certainly Celery markers. Be sure and check out the other Pretties Girl blogs to see what they came up with for the challenge! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Serenity Now (MFT); Ink- Palette Noir; Paper- Certainly Celery, Regal Rose (SU), white cardstock (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- slit punch, flower embellishments, foam tape, glitter, horizontal slot punch, polka dot organdy ribbon (May Arts), Regal Rose and Certainly Celery markers (SU), paper piercer, white gel pen.

Happy Mail

I received two gorgeous RAKs lately. This first one is from my sweet friend Julie Desper at Need to Stamp. She sent it to me just because. . .so, so sweet! I just LOVE the card! Her coloring is fantastic. I really love the stamps too! That sentiment is all too perfect for me right now! LOL Thank you, Julie! It is ALWAYS nice to receive a card from you! You always make me smile.

The second card is from Gretchen Belanger at Making Time for Creativity. I think this is first time I've visited Gretchen's blog and I'm SO glad I found it! She creates BEAUTIFUL things! If you haven't been there, follow the link and check it out! Thank you so much, Gretchen for this GORGEOUS card! I LOVE the colors, the stamps, the sentiment. . .everything!

Some of you have written asking about my mother in law. She is still in a "critical" time right now, but she is stable. There were some complications last night and they had to operate again, so my husband was frantically running out of the house last night around 11:30pm and didn't get back until about 3am. Today they've had her sedated and resting. They are hoping that tomorrow morning they can wake her up and eventually take her off the ventilator. All of your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated! Please keep praying as she's not out of the woods yet! I'll let you know as I know more!

Be Inspired Challenge #5

This was a tough one, but I LOVE the funky inspiration piece. I kept looking at the it trying to decide where to start, so I decided to start with the colors. I found these felt flowers in the Target dollar bin some time ago and have never used them. Since they were sitting there AND were the perfect color, I thought I'd see if I could fit them into this challenge. After deciding on the flowers, I thought butterflies would work with the flowers, so I got out my long-neglected Garden Whimsy set. The sentiment and dot line are from the So Many Sayings set. I am not used to these flowers so my eye keeps going to them and I'm hoping they're not too "chunky" if that makes any sense. Be sure and check out how Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Jenn Balcer, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts were inspired today! Hope you have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES: Stamps- Garden Whimsy, So Many Sayings (SU); Paper- Basic Black, Whisper White (SU); Ink- So Saffron, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Basic Black (SU); Accessories- felt flowers, rhinestones (Me and My Big Ideas), velvet ribbon, paper piercer

Baptism

Yesterday was Isaac's baptism. I needed a card for the priest, so I made this in 5 minutes. . .very simple. I LOVE how the cross from the Easter Elegance set from Verve Visual is perfect. It was hard to get a good picture of the card because everything was white, but hopefully you can see it! LOL It was a very special day for Isaac and our family came to celebrate that day with us.

As some of you know through yesterday's post, my mother-in-law is having open heart surgery this morning. I thank you ALL for your thoughts and prayers and for offering to send cards her way. I really appreciate it all from the bottom of my heart! It really touches me that you would offer your support. If you'd like to send a card, you can send it to me and I will be more than happy to see her face when she receives them! :) As soon as I know how the surgery went, I will let you all know! Again, I thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! SUPPLIES USED: Easter Elegance (Verve Visual); Paper- Whisper White (SU); Ink- Versamark; Accessories- white embossing powder, white organdy ribbon (Darice), slit punch (SU), rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

A Simple Tin

Here's a quick and simple tin I made using Melanie's What in Your Tin 1 set. I started out trying to make it look like a suitcase, but I'm thinking it looks more like a briefcase. I don't know. LOL I inked the solid "tin" stamp with Blue Bayou, then inked the Paisley Background stamp with Craft White ink and "kissed" the tin stamp on the Paisley to get this subtle look. I thought it looked like a pattern I have on my luggage. I am having lots of fun playing with this set.

On a side note, I was wondering if you all would mind keeping my mother-in-law in your thoughts and prayers. She is having open heart surgery tomorrow. Everyone is trying to stay upbeat and positive, but it's hard not to worry. I would VERY MUCH appreciate your thoughts and prayers! (and if you happen to have a card laying around that would brighten someone's day, I KNOW she would LOVE it. . .and I would love to see the smile on her face). Thank you all so much! HUGS!

Tiny Treasures

Here is a keepsake tin I made with Melanie's new set that she sent me, What's In Your Tin 1, available through GinaK Designs. I decided to make a little keepsake box for Savannah. Inside, I put her hospital bracelet and a lock of hair from her first haircut. The paper is from the Baby Girl Nana's Nursery Stack. I just LOVED the little girl outfits on the paper. The scallop that goes around the side of the tin was simply cut from the paper. . .how easy is that? Now I have to get busy making keepsake tins for my other two children! :) For more ideas on using these sets, visit Melanie's blog! She has new ideas every day! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- What's In Your Tin 1 (GinaK Designs), Simple Serif Alphabet, Classic Alphabet (SU); Ink- Groovy Guava (SU); Paper- Baby Girl Nana's Nursery Stack (DCWV), Wild Wasabi (SU); Accessories- hemp twine, clear button, Word Window punch, grosgrain ribbon.

EDITED TO ADD: For cd who posted the following:
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Happy Mail!": Are there any directions on making Melanie's monkey card? Would love to try to "case" it.cd

You can find the directions here.

Beate Weekend Sketch #39

I finally used my Women of Life set from Papertrey Ink. I have been so short on time lately. I remember when I would get stamps in the mail and would have them cut and mounted and a few cards made by the end of the night! LOL I'm becoming a slacker! :) I decided to use paper from the Fall Flowers Designer Series, and I LOVE Groovy Guava. After I decided on papers, colors and a stamp set, this card came together pretty quickly. I just added some ribbon and some bling to finish it off. Be sure and check out the amazing creations of Beate, Cambria, Jenn, Laurie, Lori, Mary Jo and Sharon. I'm sure you'll love each of their creations! I know I always do! Have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Women of Life (Papertrey Ink); Paper- Fall Flower DS, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Groovy Guava (SU); Ink- Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, So Saffron, Basic Black (SU); Accessories- double stitched ribbon in Groovy Guava, rhinestones (Me & My Big Ideas), paper piercer, Old Olive and Cameo Coral markers (SU), Stardust Stickles.

How Ya Bean?

Here's another simple card I made when I was going through my "no layer" card phase. LOL Seriously though, I do have to make some cards that don't take a lot of time but are still cute. My husband asked me for some card sets to give to people he works with and I really need to get those finished! :) I was thinking of using the Look Who's Perky set from Paper Pretties, but I wasn't sure if people who don't like coffee would still "enjoy" a set like this. What do you think? I do need to work on these sets today since he asked last week! :) Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Look Who's Perky (Paper Pretties); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Wild Wasabi (SU); Ink- Basic Black, Wild Wasabi (SU); Accessories- Copic markers, Aquapainter, paper piercer, 1 3/8" circle punch, double stitch ribbon in Wild Wasabi (SU)

A Question and a Thanks

I just wanted to answer a question here that was left as a comment since there was no email or link to get back to Wanda. Wanda asked:

wanda has left a new comment on your post "Tilt Card Tutorial": I'm lost, or missed something. If you want it to tilt, why not just cut it out and use a dimensional to slightly tilt it? Or, is it suppose to move slightly?Love this hippo, and the giraffe in this set; had to purchase it.

Wanda, I know it's easy to miss with a still picture, but the hippo's hips actually move when you tilt the card to the right or to the left. (it's not permanently tilted one way) If you've seen a spinner card where the image "spins" across the card, this is similar except that the "track" isn't as long, so the image will only rock or "tilt" back and forth instead of spin. I hope I've explained it better. Let me know! :)

I wanted to thank Linda who left me a comment on yesterday's Anything But a Card post telling me that I can purchase battery-operated votive and tealight candles through OrientalTrading.com! That is VERY good to know! I will definitely check that out for my Verve Butterfly lamp! Thank you so much, Linda! Edited to add: For anyone who might be looking for the battery operated tealights, you can find them HERE.

Happy Mail!

I have received some awesome mail lately and I wanted you to see how awesome it is! This card is from Jessie Knight (aka Knightrone on SCS) from Can You Say Addicted to Stamps? She sent me this card because she said I inspired her to buy this set and she thought I should have the first card she made with it! How absolutely sweet is that? I just LOVE it, Jessie. I'm not sure how well you can see in the picture, but the focal paper is all shimmery. . .just beautiful! I asked Jessie if it was shimmery paper, but she said she used Perfect Pearls by Ranger on it. I'm going to have to give those a try. They create a beautiful effect! Thanks so much for the card, Jessie. . .I LOVE it! Stop by Jessie's blog and see more of the gorgeous things she makes! I hope you love your set, Jessie!

The second "package" I received was from Melanie Muenchinger at Hands, Head and Heart. I just LOVE this ape card, don't you? The ape can spin around the card. . .it's so cool! Melanie also sent me one of her newest stamp sets. . .have you seen them? What's In Your Tin 1 and 2? If you haven't, you need to go check out Melanie's blog and find out all about them! :) Here's the first thing I created with mine. I just LOVE the set. My idea was to make it to look like a scrapbooking tote I have with those pockets all around. Inside the tin, I will put pre-stamped, colored and mounted images and sentiments. My idea was that in an "emergency", when you don't have your stamps, you could pull an image and sentiment from the tin and attach it to a card front! That sounds like a Survival Kit for Stampers to me. . .how about you? LOL I will definitely be using this set a lot. Thank you so much, Melanie!

The last package I received was from Donna Baker at Serenity in Stamping. Donna is just SO sweet and thoughtful! Look at that ladybug card, first of all! ADORABLE! She also sent me Melanie's Just So Hoppy set! That was a HUGE surprise. . .especially since she asked whether or not I had the set so she could send me some stamped images! So, so thoughtful! She also sent some of that adorable paper from her card and a calendar that I can alter! Thank you so much, Donna! You're the best! If you haven't visited Donna's blog, please do! She just won Melanie's Just So Hoppy contest and you won't believe her amazing entries! In fact, you won't believe any of her amazing work! :)

Prettie Wednesday

Two weeks ago, Jana challenged us to make Anything But a Card! It seems that I don't do that enough. So, I thought about what I could make. I haven't made one of these large paperclips in a while, so that's what I did! I punched out and colored the Cuddle Me Sophia, then mounted it on a scalloped circle. I pierced holes around the scallop. The whole image is mounted on the paperclip using E6000. The paper clip has a magnet on the back so that Jillian can stick it to her refrigerator and put reminder notes in the clip. I hope Jillian received it because I was a little late sending it. (Sorry Jill!) I'm excited to see what the other Prettie Girls have made for this challenge. . .and VERY excited to see what may be in MY mailbox! (can't wait, Joanne!)

In sticking with the whole Anything But a Card theme, I decided to create this little lamp with my Verve Visual set Thankful Blossoms. I just LOVE these butterflies. I stamped the butterflies on vellum cardstock using Palette Noir ink. I turned the vellum over and colored on the back side using my Stampin' Up markers. I flipped the piece back over to the front and added the Dew Drops in between the butterflies. They catch the light so beautifully! The final touch was adding the small punched circles along the bottom and a band at the top of the lampshade. The "lamp" is a little bigger because I used a small martini glass that I found at the dollar store instead of a wine glass. If I can find a battery-operated light instead of a candle, I'd LOVE to put this in my girls' room. . .it would be adorable in there. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you've enjoyed my Anything But Cards! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Cuddle Me Sophia (Paper Pretties), Thankful Blossoms (Verve Visual); Ink- Noir (Palette); Accessories- Copic markers, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Certainly Celery markers (SU), 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, paper piercer, small circle punch, Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest)

Be Inspired Challenge #4

Have you tried Beate's new weekly challenge? It's called Be Inspired. On Tuesdays, she'll post an inspiration challenge. How fun! This will be a great exercise for me. Inspiration challenges are the most difficult for me because I try to take them too literally instead of using them as a stepping stone. Does that make sense? With other challenges, like Sketch Challenges, Technique or Color Challenges there are limitations. . .following the sketch, using a technique or using specific colors. That's me. . .I follow rules! LOL Just give me specific orders and I'm good to go! :) With the inspiration challenge, the sky's the limit. I'm very interested to see everyone else's take on the challenge and where the inspiration led them. So, be sure and check out the blogs of Beate, Danielle Lounds, Dawn McVey, Silke Ledlow and Susan Roberts for some wonderful inspiration! Thanks for stopping by! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Heartfelt Thanks, Well-Worn Words (SU); Ink- Versamark, Basic Black; Paper- River Rock, Basic Black (SU), Scarlet Letter (Basic Grey); Accessories- black organdy (Darice), paper piercer, Basic Black marker, black embossing powder, Build a Brad, photo corner punch.

Prettie Pajama Party

Last night was the Prettie Pajama Party at Paper Pretties. Here are the cards that I made for the challenges.

The first was for the Sketch challenge. I used the Ride 'Em Cowgirl set from My Favorite Things that came in my Paper Pretties box. I haven't used my Apple Cider Designer Paper in a while. . .and I LOVE that stuff! I thought it would work well with the western theme. I cut a strip of cardstock to make the fringe on top. I seem to use that fringe idea a lot lately. LOL The cowgirl is colored using ink pads and a blender pen.


The second card was for the Monochromatic Challenge. I love Blue Bayou and it just happened to work well with the striped patterned paper from the Baby Boy Nana's Nursery Stack. You can't really tell from the picture because I couldn't get a good picture with the card propped up, but the coffee mug is actually on the inside of the card. I punched a layered window in the card front and paper pierced around it to frame the mug that's on the inside. This set is the Look Who's Perky set from Paper Pretties.



The last card was for the No Layer Card Challenge. I LOVE no layer cards. In fact, those were ALL I ever used to make! It's amazing how they've become such a challenge. I'm always worried they're too plain. I know a lot of the other players last night thought it was a challenge too, so I'm sure I'm not the only one! This card uses the Flutter Sophia set that was released last night at Paper Pretties. The card is coloring using Stampin' Up markers and a bit of an Aquapainter.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Ride 'Em Cowgirl (MFT), Look Who's Perky, Flutter Sophia (Paper Pretties); Ink- Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Blue Bayou; Paper- Apple Cider DS, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Blue Bayou (SU), patterned paper (DCWV Nursery Stack); Accessories- double stitched ribbon in Blue Bayou and River Rock (SU), blender pen, paper piercer, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss markers, horizontal slot punch, duo satin ribbon (May Arts), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest)

3x3 Notecard Set

When Melanie posted that adorable little "treat bag tote" on her blog, I KNEW I had to make one! Instead of putting candy in it, however, I decided to make it a tote for 3x3 notecards. I just added little "straps" of cardstock on the insides of the tote so that the notecards wouldn't slide out. I paper pieced Sophia's dress with the same paper as the tote so that everything coordinates. If you notice, the butterfly is in a different spot than it has been in past posts. Well, the Sophia stamp was too tall for the 3x3 card so I had to improvise. I inked up everything but the butterfly and stamped it on the card. I then stamped the butterfly on another piece of cardstock, colored it and cut it out. I mounted it with a dimensional on the 3x3 card and paper pierced a "flight trail" from Sophia's hand to where the butterfly is. I think it worked out pretty well. On the tote, I added some Island Blossom Dew Drops, rose organdy ribbon and an oval piece that says "For You". I thought the oval piece looked like a purse that I have where the brand name is stitched on like that. Remember that tonight at 8pm EST is the Prettie Pajama Party over at Paper Pretties! (and don't forget to change all of your clocks ahead if you didn't already) Hope to see you there tonight! Have a wonderful day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Flutter Sophia (Paper Pretties), Fancy Flexible Phrases (SU); Paper- Whisper White (SU) patterned paper, green (DCWV); Ink- Basic Black (SU); Accessories- Island Blossom Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), paper piercer, rose organdy ribbon (Darice), Regal Rose, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery markers, small oval punch.

Flutter Sophia

Here's another card I made using the Flutter Sophia from Paper Pretties to be released tomorrow night! I paper pieced her dress and then colored the necklace and flower on top of the paper piecing with a Rose Red marker. I just LOVE the wide satin ribbon from Stampin' Up! I added some Poinsetta Dew Drops that I got in an awesome package from Beate! Thanks, again, Beate!

I hope you all can join us tomorrow at 8pm EST for the Prettie Pajama Party and release of two new stamp sets! Here are the details:
Where: The Paper Pretties Forum
When: Sunday, March 9th at 8:00pm EST
Who: Everyone who loves to stamp
Why: Cause its Fun, we love to give away prizes, and we have a new release!
The Rules: At the top of every hour I will issue a challenge. You have 1 hour to complete that challenge and upload your card to the forum. There are 3 challenges total. You can use any paper, embellishments, ribbon, etc that you like, but the rule is that you must use either a stamp that has come in one of the Paper Pretties boxes OR any stamp set that Paper Pretties sells (you can see them in the sale section). Your card must be uploaded that evening. Within the next couple of days, the Prettie Girls vote to pick winners. There will be one winner for each challenge and one "overall best card" winner. Each of the winners of the challenges will receive a prize and the overall winner can pick ANY STAMP SET IN THE PRETTIES BOUTIQUE FOR FREE!!!! We have a ton of fun and laugh alot! So join us for some Prettie Fun! Hope to see you there! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Flutter Sophia (Paper Pretties); Paper- Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Palette O'Prints (SU); Ink- Noir (Palette); Accessories- Rose Red, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Blush Blossom markers (SU), Aquapainter, Poinsetta Dew Drops, Purely Pomegranate Satin ribbon (SU)

Happy Mail!

I have accumulated a collection of beautiful cards that I received in the mail and I thought I would FINALLY take pictures of them to share with you!

This first one is from Alex Hobson over at California Stampin. I'm sure you all know Alex because she always leaves the SWEETEST comments on everyone's blogs. If you don't know Alex, follow the link to her blog and get to know her. She is such a sweetheart who makes BEAUTIFUL cards and scrapbook pages! I was SO HAPPY to find this in my mailbox. Thanks, Alex!



The second card is from Amber Porter from Ramblings of a Sassy Stamper. Isn't this just the sweetest Bella card? I LOVE it! Thank you for putting a smile on my face, Amber! I just love your card and really appreciate it!




I got this adorable altered calendar from Tammy Nichols. I just LOVE this fish and I really needed a pocket calendar! What a neat idea. Thank you so much, Tammy! I love it!




This gorgeous piece of paradise came from Jami at Crazy Daisy Creations. She sent it from vacation in Hawaii! How exciting is that? I can't believe Jami stamped cards to take with her (or maybe stamped them while there) to send. Thanks for sharing your vacation with me, Jami! I LOVE the card! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

The last beauty is from Beate at Fresh and Fun. Did you see all the hardware on this gorgeous card? Oh my goodness! It's incredible. What's funny is that I received this stamp set at SU Regionals and wasn't so crazy about it. Beate made me happy that I have this set! :) Thank you, Beate, for this masterpiece! You're the best!